Black Tea — Rich, Aromatic & Full of Character
Black tea is one of the world’s major tea categories. Like green, white, oolong, and pu-erh teas, traditional black tea is produced from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. What makes it different is its high degree of oxidation, which transforms fresh green leaves into darker leaves and develops flavors ranging from honey and malt to fruit, flowers, cocoa, spice, and wood.
Four Popular Black Tea Styles: Assam, Earl Grey, Ceylon & English Breakfast
These four teas are among the most recognizable names in the world of black tea. They differ in origin, aroma and strength—and while all can technically be enjoyed with milk, some are much better suited to it than others.
| Tea | Character | Typical flavor | With milk? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assam | Strong & full-bodied | Malt, honey, caramel, spice | ⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| Earl Grey | Fragrant & elegant | Bergamot, citrus, floral | ⭐⭐ Optional |
| Ceylon | Bright & refreshing | Citrus, fruit, honey, brisk notes | ⭐⭐ Very good |
| English Breakfast | Rich & balanced | Malt, toast, caramel, brisk | ⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |



